WATS: Static Equilibrium in Beams
Session Start Date: Monday, October 13, 2025
WATS (Weekly Asynchronous Tutorial Series) is a structured, problem-solving–focused learning experience designed for engineering students. Each WATS module targets a single topic in structural analysis and consists of 8 weekly sessions, each designed for flexible, self-paced learning.
Whether you're reviewing core principles or building practical problem-solving skills, WATS helps you learn through real student questions, worked examples, and instructor-guided tutorials.
The WATS modules complement the material covered in our Structural Analysis I course by offering additional practice and guided problem-solving.
This WATS module focuses on applying the equilibrium equations to analyze statically determinate beams. You’ll strengthen your ability to calculate support reactions, construct clear free-body diagrams, and interpret loading scenarios with precision and insight.
Registration Opens: Monday, September 8, 2025
First Session Available: Monday, October 13, 2025
Final Session Available: Monday, December 1, 2025
Certificate:
Upon successful completion of the 8 sessions and exercises, students receive a
Certificate of Completion in Static Equilibrium in Beams (WATS Series)
This WATS module is designed for students who are already enrolled in our Structural Analysis I course or a similar course elsewhere. It is ideal for learners who want to practice and improve their ability to formulate and solve static equilibrium equations for determining support reactions in beams in a guided, problem-solving–oriented environment.
If you're seeking structured reinforcement, step-by-step walkthroughs, and instructor-led clarification of challenging concepts, this module will help you apply what you've learned with confidence.
Each weekly session includes:
Answers to Student Questions
– Submitted after the previous session
– Curated and answered by the instructor
Homework Walkthroughs
– Step-by-step solutions to the assigned problems
– Focus on method, reasoning, and common errors
Clarify and Apply
– Revisiting challenging concepts from our structural analysis course
– Focused walkthroughs that help you put ideas into practice
After watching each session, you’ll complete a set of exercises and submit your solutions for personalized feedback. You may also submit questions. Selected questions and common challenges will be addressed in the next session to support whole-group learning. This structure gives you space to work at your own pace while steadily building confidence.
Asynchronous Access
Learn anytime, anywhere—ideal for international students or busy schedules.
Targeted Learning
One topic per series. Each session builds your understanding logically and incrementally.
Interactive Format
Submit questions after each session and see them addressed in future sessions.
Certification Included
Earn a certificate specific to each completed WATS module.
Registration Fee: $12 (Non-Refundable)
A flat registration fee of $12 USD is required to enroll in each WATS module. This fee helps support system maintenance and the preparation of tutorial materials. It is non-refundable, so we encourage you to register only if you're confident in your participation.
Access Ends: Monday, December 29, 2025
Access to this WATS module will remain available for 28 days after the final session is released, giving you time to revisit the material and consolidate your learning at your own pace. This extended access is provided to support review and reflection as you wrap up the series.
Section 1: Static Equilibrium in Context – Inactive vs. Active Systems
Section 2: Support Types and Reaction Forces (Example-Driven)
Section 3: Coordinate Systems and Sign Convention – A Flexible Tool
Section 4: Drawing Free-Body Diagrams (FBDs)
Section 5: Equilibrium Equations and Determinacy
Section 6: Writing and Solving Basic Equilibrium Equations
Section 7: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems
Section 8: Submit a Question
Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 1
Section 1B: Solutions to Week 1 Exercise Problems
Section 2: Strategic Use of Equilibrium Equations
Section 3: Problem 1 – Simply Supported Beam with Overhangs on Both Ends
Section 4: Problem 2 – Cantilever Beam with Three Point Loads
Section 5: Problem 3 – Cantilever Beam with a Concentrated Moment
Section 6: Common Errors and Misconceptions
Section 7: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems
Section 8: Submit a Question
Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 2
Section 1B: Solutions to Week 2 Exercise Problems
Section 2: Using All Three Equilibrium Equations
Section 3: Problem 1 – Simply Supported Beam with an Inclined Point Load
Section 4: Problem 2 – Simply Supported Beam with Two Point Loads and an Applied Moment
Section 5: Problem 3 – Cantilever Beam with Vertical Extension and Horizontal Load
Section 6: Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Section 7: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems
Section 8: Submit a Question
Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 3
Section 1B: Solutions to Week 3 Exercise Problems
Section 2: Force Decomposition and Reaction Direction Review
Section 3: Problem 1 – Inclined Beam with Pin and Roller, Load Perpendicular to Beam
Section 4: Problem 2 – Inclined Beam with Vertical Load
Section 5: Problem 3 – Horizontal Beam with Inclined Roller Support
Section 6: Problem 4 – Inclined Cantilever Beam with Horizontal Load at Extension
Section 7: Homework Assignment – Inclined Beam and Support Problems
Section 8: Submit a Question
Section 1A: Review and Questions from Week 4
Section 1B: Solutions to Week 4 Exercise Problems
Section 2: Concept Introduction – What is a Distributed Load?
Section 3: Problem 1 – Beam with a Full-Span Uniformly Distributed Load
Section 4: Problem 2 – Beam with a Partially Distributed Load
Section 5: Problem 3 – Beam with UDL and a Point Load
Section 6: Problem 4 – Beam with Symmetric UDL and External Moment
Section 7: Common Errors and Misconceptions
Section 8: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems
Section 9: Submit a Question
Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 5
Section 1B: Solutions to Week 5 Exercise Problems
Section 2: Concept Introduction – Triangular Loads as Linearly Varying Distributed Loads
Section 3: Problem 1 – Right Triangular Load Over Half the Beam
Section 4: Problem 2 – Two Triangular Loads with Overhang
Section 5: Problem 3 – Non-Isosceles Triangular Load
Section 6: Common Mistakes and Conceptual Traps
Section 7: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems
Section 8: Submit a Question
Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 6
Section 1B: Solutions to Week 5 Exercise Problems
Section 2: Concept Introduction – Understanding Trapezoidal Loads
Section 3: Problem 1 – Full-Span Trapezoidal Load
Section 4: Problem 2 – Partial Span Trapezoidal Load (Rising to Flat)
Section 5: Problem 3 – Two Separated Trapezoidal Loads
Section 6: Common Errors and Misconceptions
Section 7: Homework Assignment – Practice and Challenge Problems
Section 8: Submit a Question
Section 1A: Review and Student Questions from Week 7
Section 1B: Solutions to Week 5 Exercise Problems
Section 2: Reflecting on the Journey
Section 3: Strategic Review of Common Pitfalls
Section 4: Problem 1 – Mixed Load on Simply Supported Beam
Section 5: Problem 2 – Cantilever Beam with Trapezoidal Load and Moment
Section 6: Problem 3 – Beam with Overhang and Combination of Triangular Loads
Section 7: Homework Submission and Personal Assessment
Section 8: Closing Reflection and Forward Look
Section 9: Final Question Submission Opportunity
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